Passion for Parasols!

I have a passion for parasols!

These handy contraptions were an integral part of Victorian and Edwardian ladies wardrobes.

Women of the past avoided extended time in the sun to preserve their delicate complexions.

The parasol protected porcelain skin from damage should a woman have to spend time in the outdoors.

This copper colored silk parasol (c. 1870s) has a new cover of lace.

 

Two black silk folding parasols, c.1860s.

The one to the left is a carriage parasol.

 Folding parasol extended.

 Carriage parasol (the silk is rather frayed) open.

 A carriage parasol can fold flat at the top to be used while in a carriage.

Kramer decided to check it out:).

 Close up of folding handle.

 

 Just slide the brass piece over the joint and, voila, the handle is held at full length.

 Silk parasol with lace trim and wood handle, late 19th century.

 Small muslin parasol with fancy handle (probably c. 1870s).

A lace doily covers the muslin.

 Close-up of handle.

 White work trim on a large parasol probably early 20th century.

 Size difference between the three parasols.

 Lace parasol, c. 1870s.

For more parasol pictures visit my Pinterest page:

 

 http://pinterest.com/victorianparlor/parasols/

 

Blessings,

 

Kim

White Work

White work has been around for centuries.

"The most basic definition of Whitework embroidery is embroidery of a single
color, typically matching that of the base canvas, where design and skill is
defined, primarily, by texture. The effect is low-key, representing a purity and
demanding close scrutiny to experience
its beauty. It is this demand for detail that
requires the highest skills of the needle
worker."

(above definition from http://lacismuseum.org/exhibit/whitework/Whitework%20Catalog.pdf)

 

Below are some vintage examples.

This past weekend I was blessed to learn this beautiful art form from Lynn Bristow at our annual PSRS workshop.

Below is the hankie I completed during the workshop.



 A pair of under sleeves that I am embellishing.

 

White work is rather simple yet creates a simplistic elegance that would add beauty to any home:).

 

Blessings,

 

Kim

Emma joins YouTube!

http://youtu.be/jFUS0RSxp7I

Well my dear friend, Richard Darby, has made a short video clip of Emma Victoria Brown, main character from my novel, Truer Words.

Hopefully, this link will work:).

Happy viewing!

Blessings,

Kim

Sometimes...

it's the simplicity in life that is most beautiful."

Hair Work-Table Work

Today we will focus on table hair work.

Table work creates the three dimensional pieces often seen in jewelry.

All of the hair work featured in this post are love tokens.

The table below is a new weaving table made and used by a friend of ours, Thomas Tear. 

 

This collection of hair jewelry has examples that Thomas has created along with some antique pieces.

Can you tell which is old and which is new?

 

An antique weaving table is part of the Charleston Museum collection.

 

A watch fob made of hair with gold findings and locket.

Hair bracelet with gold findings and crystal center.

 

Cross with gold tips and seed pearl.

 

 Hair bracelets showing different weaving designs.

 

Hair brooches in a bow pattern.

The hair weaving patterns were found in books of the era while the gold findings could be purchased from catalogs.

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed this series about hair work from the Victorian era!

Happy collecting!

 

Blessings,

 

Kim